Complete Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Kittens in India

Why Vaccinations Are Non-Negotiable

Every year, thousands of puppies and kittens in India die from entirely preventable diseases like Parvovirus, Distemper, and Feline Panleukopenia. Vaccination is not a luxury — it is the foundation of your pet's health. A properly vaccinated pet is protected against the most deadly and contagious diseases they are likely to encounter in Indian conditions, where stray animal populations and exposure risks are high.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule (India)

The following schedule is widely recommended by veterinarians across India. Your vet may adjust timings slightly based on your puppy's health, breed, and regional disease prevalence.

6–8 Weeks of Age

• DHPPi (1st dose): Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. This is the most critical vaccine.
• Deworming: First round of deworming (not a vaccine, but done simultaneously).

10–12 Weeks of Age

• DHPPi (2nd dose): Booster to build stronger immunity.
• Leptospirosis (1st dose): Protects against a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water — particularly relevant in India during monsoon season.
• Deworming: Second round.

14–16 Weeks of Age

• DHPPi (3rd dose): Final puppy booster for core diseases.
• Leptospirosis (2nd dose): Booster.
• Rabies (1st dose): Legally mandatory in India. Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear and can be transmitted to humans.

Annual Boosters (Every Year)

• DHPPi booster
• Leptospirosis booster
• Rabies booster
• Kennel Cough (Bordetella): Recommended if your dog visits parks, boarding facilities, or grooming salons.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule (India)

6–8 Weeks of Age

• Feline Tricat / FVRCP (1st dose): Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (feline distemper). These three diseases are the biggest killers of unvaccinated kittens in India.
• Deworming: First round.

10–12 Weeks of Age

• Feline Tricat / FVRCP (2nd dose): Booster.
• Deworming: Second round.

14–16 Weeks of Age

• Feline Tricat / FVRCP (3rd dose): Final kitten booster.
• Rabies (1st dose): Mandatory. Indoor cats also need rabies vaccination — bats, stray cats on balconies, and accidental escapes are all real risks.

Optional but Recommended

• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus): Strongly recommended for cats that go outdoors or live with FeLV-positive cats. Given at 8–9 weeks with a booster at 12 weeks.

Annual Boosters

• FVRCP booster
• Rabies booster

Important Tips for Indian Pet Parents

• Do not skip the Rabies vaccine: India has one of the highest rates of animal rabies in the world. This vaccine protects your pet AND your family.
• Keep your puppy/kitten indoors until the full vaccination course is complete. Avoid dog parks, street walks, and contact with unvaccinated animals.
• Maintain a vaccination card: Keep a physical or digital record of every vaccine administered, including brand name, batch number, and date. Pawfect's digital health records make this effortless.
• Deworming is separate: Deworming should happen every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months, then every 3 months for life.
• Do not buy vaccines from a pharmacy and administer at home: Vaccines require proper cold-chain storage. A vaccine that has been improperly stored may be ineffective, giving you a false sense of security.

Track Everything Digitally

Missed boosters mean broken immunity. The easiest way to stay on schedule is to use a digital pet health platform like Pawfect, where vaccination dates, upcoming reminders, and your vet's digital prescriptions are all stored in one place. You can also consult a vet online to clarify any doubts about your pet's vaccination schedule.